SOLD Finely Carved and Polychromed Antique Santos Figure Holding Book (One Arm Lost) hi carved wooden weasel the hardwood gorgeous (lignum vitae

the hardwood gorgeous (lignum vitae

which I do not believe detracts at all from the beauty of the piece

as if those orbs at top are eyeballs

1918--and there is another showcasing  Roman ornament

The contents are long gone

SOLD Finely Carved and Polychromed Antique Santos Figure Holding Book (One Arm Lost) hi carved wooden weasel the hardwood gorgeous (lignum vitaeMy very favorite saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love of animals and nature as well as his miraculous acts and here in the best incarnation, holding a book! Early 19th century Spanish colonial I believe, hand carved and hand painted, with wonderfully inquisitive looking face, serene manner and lovely treatment of all those pleats and knotted cord belt. Beautiful aging to the polychromed surface, and with one arm lost along the way. 7 3